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BIG funding for young people in the Highlands

Fantastic news this morning, with the announcement that the BIG Lottery Fund Scotland's 'Young Start' fund has donated £50,000 to Venture Trust. This donation will support the expansion of our Inspiring Young Futures programme to young people in the Highlands, where we know there's demand from young people and referrers.

Run by the Big Lottery Fund Scotland for the Scottish Government, Young Start awards money from dormant bank and building society accounts that have seen no customer activity for at least 15 years.

Venture Trust recieved the largest grant from this funding round, marking the continuation of our fantastic support fdrom the BIG Lottery Fund. Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People, said: "I've seen first-hand the difference that local initiatives are making to help young people reach their full potential, supported by our partnership with the Big Lottery Fund.

"This year I'm delighted that a wide variety of projects across Scotland have been successful in securing funding either from Young Start or from the Communities and Families Fund, which together are enabling communities to deliver the right kind of support needed to improve the lives of local children and families."

Maureen McGinn, chairwoman of the Big Lottery Fund Scotland committee, said: "I am delighted to announce this funding today. Through both Young Start and the Communities and Families Fund, we help ensure Scotland's next generation has the best possible start in life.

"The awards made today include playgroups and creches working with the very young right up to organisations supporting young people outside the education system.

"All of them make a huge difference by enabling children and young people to gain the abilities, skills and confidence required for positive and healthy futures."

We're thrilled by this news, and look forward to reporting our first ever intake of IYF participants in the Highlands!